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durhamregion.com The Citizen December 18, 2014 3 Archives provide window to the past for Brooklin students When a teacher from Winchester Public School contacted me in the summer about the possibility of having her class visit the Town of Whitby Archives to conduct research for a local history and geography project, I knew we were entering unchartered territory. Typically, we visit the schools and take with us the pertinent materials for our presentations. In my five years of working at the Archives, not one classroom has ever visited us. This is partly because the Archives is quite small. Winchester's 78 Grade 8 students wouldn't fit in our reading room so I booked the large meeting rooms in the library's lobby for two days in early November. The scope of the project was simple: students visited two local cemeteries, explored the pioneer sections, and selected a family name from a provided list to conduct research using the primary resources found at the Archives. The goal was to have students write a biography that considered the impact of geography and social norms on early life in Brooklin and Whitby. As a primer, we visited Winchester Public School and spoke to the students about the importance of archives and what it is we actually do at the Whitby Archives; this involved letting the students touch and examine deteriorating photographs, negatives and paper (in case you were wondering, my job is to stop this deterioration from happening). The students then visited the library where they received a tour and some basic database training. They even had the opportunity to preserve a personal memento using an archival process called encapsulation. They spent the rest of the morning using newspaper transcriptions, local history books, diaries and letters in order to learn more about their chosen person. By far, the most researched person was Luther Vipond, a member of the Brooklin Redmen lacrosse team and manager of the Brooklin Memorial Arena, which was named after him following his death in 1982. Other families that were popular included the Drydens, Coakwells, Warrens and Bickells. To our surprise and delight, many students visited the Archives to conduct further research throughout November. Our mandate is to interpret and make available for research and educational purposes the collections of the Whitby Archives. By partnering with teachers we've been able to accomplish our goal of sharing Whitby's history. We've learned that students seem to enjoy engaging with material from our past and that this material incites emotions, questions and a desire to learn more. Sarah Ferencz is the archivist at the Whitby Public Library. Contact her at. archives@whitbylibrary.on.ca if you are a teacher looking to incorporate local history into your lessons Sarah Ferencz Whitby Public Library Lots to do and give in Brooklin this holiday season A mix of holiday activities for all ages is happening this year in Brooklin, from live entertainment to family events to opportunities to give back. The Brooklin Legion is open to the public and has a full calendar of activities for adults. It's hosting a New Year's Eve party featuring live music with Workin' Dawgs. Tickets are $10 in advance and everyone is asked to bring a potluck dinner item. On New Year's Day the Legion is hosting its annual Levee, open to the public after 1 p.m. It's a great way to celebrate the New Year with neighbours and friends. Throughout the year, drop by for progressive euchre on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and pick up a calendar to find out more. For families looking for a little fun and exercise, there are some great opportunities to lace up the skates. On Dec. 26, Tim Hortons is hosting a free family skate at Luther Vipond Arena from 1 to 3 p.m. For those who want to get out a bit sooner, the Town of Whitby is hosting a free family skate at McKinney Arena on Dec. 22 also from 1 to 3 p.m. Each year many members of our local community work together on the Christmas hamper program to provide Christmas gifts for families in need. They can always use a little extra help packing items, so please drop by the Brooklin United Church at 19 Cassels Rd. E., on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. For students looking for community service hours, remember to bring along your sheet for organizers to sign. At this time of year we frequently hear more about the need for food bank donations. Since 2008, the need for donations has remained high across Canada and for many families right here at home. To help out, please drop off non-perishable food items at FreshCo, open every day except Christmas and New Year's. Thank you to everyone for your community updates. Please keep sending them in to news@ hometownmusic.ca . From our family to yours, we hope you have a great holiday season and a happy new year. Rob Hanson is the executive director for the Hometown Music Council, workshop director for Brooklin's Mini Idol and a director for the roB hanSon community BROOKLIN -- Luther Vipond was a popular choice for students researching Brooklin's history. Whitby Archives photo